Head coach Chris Maiello (left) and his staff celebrated a successful 2013-14 campaign.

Swimming and diving hands out year-end honors

Courtesy: UNDsports.com
Release: 05/08/2014

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GRAND FORKS, N.D.-- The University of North Dakota swimming and diving teams recently held their year-end banquet and awards ceremony, celebrating a successful 2013-14 season that saw tons of excitement, new records and first-time achievements. The list of award winners follows:

MVP Women- Morgan Lynch"We could not have accomplished what we did this year without her leadership and commitment to bettering our program," said first-year UND head coach Chris Maiello. "She was one of the first athletes I spoke to when I was hired and she made the transition for me a productive one. I can trust her in any situation and in any race to put it on the line and do what’s best for UND swimming and diving. We will miss Morgan for her leadership, selflessness and commitment to UND swimming.

MVP Men- Austin Smith"Austin Smith had the best season-ending ranking in UND’s Division 1 era with a final NCAA ranking of 36th out of 1077 in the 100 breaststroke," Maiello said. "That puts Austin in the top 3% of all Division I competitors this season. Not far behind is his 200 breast which ranks him 45th out of 837, putting him in the top 5% of all Division I competitors this season. Austin has helped our program set the tone for elite levels of success. His season this year is arguably one of the best UND has ever seen."

Smith became the first WAC champion for UND and won a pair of races at the WAC meet. He also set a new league standard in the 200 breaststroke in the process.

Female Diver of the Year- Rachael WaldbilligWaldbillig once again qualified for the NCAA Zone meet, competing in both the 1- and 3-meter events.

"She led the women’s team in diving points and finished a great career for UND," head diving coach Brian Strom said.

Male Diver of the Year Men- Richard EberleQualifying for the NCAA Zones in all three diving events, Rick Eberle had a fantastic 2013-14 final campaign. He bettered his school record in the 1-meter board and owns all three records. He was a four-time WAC Diver of the Week this season.

"He was simply the best male diver in school history. He will be missed," Strom said.

Points Champion Women- Erin GrabanskiWith 16 wins and 341.45 points, Erin Grabanski was the female points champion. She starred in the IM, the backstroke and the butterlfy and also swam strong legs on freestyle and medley relays.

"The team could always depend on Erin to come away with wins in the backstroke and be a leading scorer for our women’s program," Maiello said.

"In a tight race-- three points the difference-- Noah earned the points championship. He swam everything from the 1000 free to the 50 free for the team and was very good in every event he swam. This athlete has a bright future with our program with goals on NCAA’s and Olympic trials," Maiello said.